Page 20

Margot

For the second morning in a row, I wake to a warm, heavy weight on me. It only takes me a minute to realize it’s Matty. Again.

I glance at my pillow wall. It’s shredded. Destroyed. Pointless. Why does my body betray me in my sleep? Or does it give in to what you truly want?

Despite the warmth, the comfort he provides, I move to push him off me.

He doesn’t budge.

I scowl. If brute force won’t work, fine. Time to get dirty.

I wiggle my right arm free and slam my elbow into his ribs.

“What the fuck!”

He jerks upright, grabbing his side. His rough voice betrays his pain, and for a second, guilt stabs me. Did I hurt him?

Why do I even care?

Because you like him.

I shake the thought away and slip out of bed, bolting for the bathroom before he fully wakes up. After last night, I’m not putting myself in a position where I have to refuse him .

Because, if I’m honest with myself? I’m not sure I can.

I go through the same routine. Brush teeth. Wash face. Change.

By the time I peek out, Matty’s gone. Good.

I sprint to the closet, and yank open drawers, grabbing another pair of sweatpants. He’s running low. I need to ask Dotty to do a load. What will I even wear when he runs out?

You could wear nothing He’d love that .

Fully dressed, I step out of the closet, and nearly scream.

Matty stands at the entrance.

“You scared the crap out of me! I didn’t even hear you come in.”

He grins. Grins. Like we’re normal. Like last night never happened. Like he didn’t have his hand in my panties, didn’t claim me, didn’t promise I’d beg for him.

Does he have short-term memory loss?

He holds something out. “A caramel macchiato. Dotty showed me how to make it.”

I stare at the mug. He brought me coffee?

He just smiles, sweetly and innocently.

My brain short-circuits. What in the fuck is happening right now?

“I thought you didn’t know how to use the other coffee machines.”

His smirk deepens. “An old dog can always learn new tricks with the right incentive.”

I gawk at him.

Is he flirting?

I feign ignorance, grab the coffee, and take a sip, then instantly regret it. A moan slips out before I can stop it.

Fuck .

My eyes shoot to his. Direct eye contact .

But he doesn’t react. No smug smirk. No shift in posture. Nothing.

What the fuck?

“Is it up to your standard?” He asks, still all sunshine and rainbows.

My brain is breaking.

Last night he was feral, completely losing control over me. Now, he’s acting like we’re roommates.

I glance down and am relieved to see the outline of his hard cock. Not that I was looking. Not that I care. You care.

I flick my gaze back up. He’s still smiling. Like nothing is out of the ordinary.

I narrow my eyes. “It’s good.”

And damn it, it is good. Just how I like it.

His smile brightens. “Perfect! I’ll be in my office if you need anything. Let Dotty know what you want for dinner. She can cook just about anything but give her enough time to gather ingredients. Looking forward to tonight.”

Then he kisses my forehead .

His eyes stay on me a beat longer than necessary before he turns and walks out.

I stand there, stunned. If it weren’t for the coffee in my hand, I’d think I hallucinated the whole thing.

***

I’m still thinking about our weird exchange this morning when Benny barrels into me, nearly knocking me over.

“Jesus, Benny! Be gentle!”

He nudges me again, whining.

I sigh, running a hand down his head. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been distracted. Matty just has me all messed up.”

His ears perk.

I huff a laugh. “Last night, he was all over me. He couldn’t control himself.

It was the hottest thing I’ve ever experienced, and he didn’t even touch me.

Well… besides…” I shake my head. Not the point.

“It took everything in me to resist him. I don’t know how much longer I can keep it up.

But then this morning, he was completely unaffected.

It makes me wonder if it was all in my head. Maybe I imagined his interest.”

Benny tilts his head.

I scowl. “It’s not that I want him to want me. I just don’t like the whiplash. I want consistency.”

He stares at me judgingly.

I groan. “Fine! Yes, I want him. But he’s my captor! I’m here against my will! What kind of tramp gives in this fast? It’s only been two days!”

He rolls his eyes. This damn diva.

I glare at him. “You don’t get it. Is this even real? He only wants me because I’m the only girl around. I want to know he’d choose me. In a room full of women, I still want to be his choice.”

The words fall out before I realize I feel them.

Benny tilts his head again. ‘Has he given you any indication he’d choose you?’

I hesitate. Matty’s words from last night echo in my head.

“You’re mine.”

I shift uncomfortably. “Okay, yes, he’s made comments about me being ‘his’. But that should be infuriating. No man owns me. I’m not his.”

‘But you want to be.’

Benny stares at me knowingly.

“Fine. I wouldn’t mind being taken care of.

Not having to worry about things. And his body…

Jesus. Our chemistry is undeniable. I know it’d be incredible.

He’d ruin all other men for me.” I scrub my hands over my face.

“This is just my inner tramp talking. I swear her voice has taken over my thoughts. ”

Benny doesn’t look convinced. He’s telling me to give Matty a chance.

Would it really be so bad?

No. I can’t let myself think like that.

“We’re not talking about this anymore.” I shake my head. “He needs to think I don’t want him.”

Benny tilts his head, calling me on my bullshit.

I try again. “He threatens you if I don’t behave. He’s a bad man. You should be scared of him.”

Benny rolls his eyes and turns his back to me.

He’s not scared. Not even a little.

And for some reason, neither am I.

Matty doesn’t seem like a bad man at all.